First published
in News
Last updated
by Ian Noble, Reporter (Shildon and Spennymoor)

GLOBAL pop legends The Jacksons are jetting in from America to play a rare UK date at a County Durham music festival.

The veteran band, made up of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson, will perform at the second annual Hardwick Live Garden Party, which has expanded to a two-day event on Friday, September 12, and Saturday, September 13.

The group, which once included “King of Pop” Michael Jackson, has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide since they began performing in 1964.

With hits including I Want You Back, I’ll Be There, and Blame it On the Boogie the group will headline the Saturday of the event at Hardwick Hall Hotel, at Sedgefield, County Durham.

Glaswegian band Simple Minds, who were nominated for a Brit Award in 1986, will headline on the Friday.

The band had a US number-one hit with Don’t You (Forget About Me) from the movie The Breakfast Club in 1985.

Eighties idol Adam Ant, who enjoyed huge success with hits such as Prince Charming and Stand and Deliver, will also appear over the weekend.

He will be joined on the bill by Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, soul singer Kenny Thomas and Hugh Cornwell, of The Stranglers.

Jools Holland and his band perform at last year's event.

Local acts Cattle and Cane, of Stockton, plus Twister and The Voluntears will also play.

John Adamson, managing director of Ramside Estates, which owns Hardwick Hall, said: “We’re flying The Jacksons in from the USA especially for Hardwick Live.

“I’ve no doubt that they’ll put on a sensational performance. Getting them is a real coup for us as they’re loved by young and old.” This is a fantastic opportunity to see them live.”

He added: “More than 8,500 people attended Hardwick Live last year which was tremendous in its first year.

“We’re hoping to attract even more families and music fans this year with our incredible line-up.

“We’re keen to promote local talent too so we have included bands from the North-East in the line-up for each day.”

There will also be fairground rides, a brass band, DJ stage and other attractions. Gates are open on the Friday between 4pm and 11pm and on the Saturday between noon and 11pm.

Daily tickets for the Friday are £36 for adults, £10 for 13 to 16-year-olds and £5 for three to 12-year-olds.

Tickets for the Saturday are £49 for adults, £12 for 13 to 16-year-olds and £6 for three to 12-year-olds.

Weekend tickets are £79 for adults, £22 for 13 to 16-year-olds and £12 for children aged between three and 12-years.

A limited number of “gold” tickets are on sale for the Saturday priced £119.

Tickets go on sale online at hardwicklive.co.uk today (Friday, May 9) and from 9am on Monday on 01740-620253.